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WCCO Viewers' Choice For Best 19th Hole In Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – After a day on the golf course, there's nothing better than a fantastic "19th hole" waiting at the end of your game.

That's the clubhouse – a place to unwind after your round.

WCCO wanted to find the best Minnesota has to offer, and your votes sent Natalie Nyhus to the Preserve Golf Course at Grand View Lodge.

For golfers and non-golfers alike, no matter how holes one through 18 go, there's one you know you'll always succeed at: the 19th.

"Bloody Mary's after 18 holes. You don't get any better than that!" a golfer at the Preserve Golf Course at Grand View Lodge said.

"It is the last hole of the day. Come in and enjoy a beverage, appetizer or meal. It's place to relax, talk about your round and pay your bets. That's probably the biggest thing," Adam Haugen, Head Golf Professional at the Preserve, said.

The Preserve at Grand View Lodge in Pequot Lakes has been boasting a spectacular view from the clubhouse for 20 years. It also has bragged about what a big deal it is to be a part of a place like Grand View Lodge, which has a 100-year legacy in northern Minnesota.

"It's a lot to live up to. You have to keep pushing the cart every day, making sure you're always improving and making sure your guests are having a good time," Haugen said. "You have to push that experience level every day."

For golfers, the Preserve is a pretty well-known course, especially for being in a town of fewer than 2,500.

"I think a lot of it has to do with the view. On a daily basis we see people out here with their phone taking pictures. It's all over the Internet," Haugen said.

The Preserve's panoramic view of Minnesota's great outdoors also features the sight of two tee boxes and two greens.

Inside, the kitchen drives out baskets of food and drinks; the hard-earned chance to refuel. Sure, the 18 holes on the course are important, but the 19th is what makes good courses great.

"It's your first impression when you walk up to the course. You can have an average golf course and have a great clubhouse and you'll have a good experience regardless. Here, we're lucky to have a great clubhouse, a fantastic golf course and even better 19th hole," Haugen said. "This is just a chance to unwind before you jump inside the car and head home."

The Preserve is open to anyone, so even if you're not a golfer you can enjoy the 19th hole.

They're also holding a best dressed contest this month. Take a photo of you with your crew dressed to impress and post it to their Facebook page with the hashtag #BestDressed.

Your other favorite 19th holes are the Tin Fish at Braemar and the Highlander at Rush Creek Golf Course.

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